Work spaces

Work spaces in an office are typically used for conventional office activities such as reading, writing and computer work. There are nine generic types of work space, each supporting different activities.

• 

  open office
  
• 

  team space
  
• 

  cubicle
  

Open office: An open work space for more than ten people, suitable for activities which demand frequent communication or routine activities which need relatively little concentration
Team space: A semi-enclosed work space for two to eight people; suitable for teamwork which demands frequent internal communication and a medium level of concentration
Cubicle: A semi-enclosed work space for one person, suitable for activities which demand medium concentration and medium interaction

• 

  private office
  
• 

  shared office
  
• 

  team room
  

Private office: An enclosed work space for one person, suitable for activities which are confidential, demand a lot of concentration or include many small meetings
Shared office: An enclosed work space for two or three people, suitable for semi-concentrated work and collaborative work in small groups
Team room: An enclosed work space for four to ten people; suitable for teamwork which may be confidential and demands frequent internal communication

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  study booth
  
• 

  work lounge
  
• 

  touch down
  

Study booth: An enclosed work space for one person; suitable for short-term activities which demand concentration or confidentiality
Work lounge: A lounge-like work space for two to six people; suitable for short-term activities which demand collaboration and/or allow impromptu interaction
Touch down: An open work space for one person; suitable for short-term activities which require little concentration and low interaction

Meeting spaces

Meeting spaces in an office are typically used interactive processes, be it quick conversations or intensive brainstorms. There are six generic types of meeting space, each supporting different activities.

• 

  small meeting room
  
• 

  large meeting room
  
• 

  Small meeting space
  

Small meeting room: An enclosed meeting space for two to four persons, suitable for both formal and informal interaction
Large meeting room: An enclosed meeting space for five to twelve people, suitable for formal interaction
Small meeting space: An open or semi-open meeting space for two to four persons; suitable for short, informal interaction

• 

  large meeting space
  
• 

  brainstorm room
  
• 

  meeting point
  

Large meeting space: An open or semi-open meeting space for five to twelve people; suitable for short, informal interaction
Brainstorm room: An enclosed meeting space for five to twelve people; suitable for brainstorming sessions and workshops
Meeting point: An open meeting point for two to four persons; suitable for ad hoc, informal meetings

Support spaces

Support spaces in an office are typically used for secondary activities such as filing documents or taking a break. There are twelve generic types of support space, each supporting different activities.

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  filing space
  
• 

  storage space
  
• 

  print and copy area
  

Filing space: An open or enclosed support space for the storage of frequently used files and documents
Storage space: An open or enclosed support space for the storage of commonly used office supplies
Print and copy area: An open or enclosed support space with facilities for printing, scanning and copying

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  mail area
  
• 

  pantry area
  
• 

  break area
  

Mail area: An open or semi-open support space where employees can pick up or deliver their personal mail
Pantry area: An open or enclosed support space where people can get coffee and tea as well as soft drinks and snacks
Break area: A semi-open or enclosed support space where employees can take a break from their work

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  locker area
  
• 

  smoking room
  
• 

  library
  

Locker area: An open or semi-open support space where employees can store their personal belongings
Smoking room: An enclosed support space where employees can smoke a cigarette
Library: A semi-open or enclosed support space for reading of books, journals and magazines

• 

  games room
  
• 

  waiting area
  
• 

  circulation space
  

Games room: An enclosed support space where employees can play games (e.g. computer games, pool, darts)
Waiting area: An open or semi-open support space where visitors can be received and can wait for their appointment
Circulation space: Support space which is required for circulation on office floors, linking all major functions